Business Connect Q4 2022

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Times are tough, but South Yorkshire firms are taking it in stride

It’s no secret that times are tough for businesses right now, what with soaring energy prices and the cost of living crisis taking its toll. However, despite the challenges, local firms are proving that they have what it takes to not only survive, but thrive.

One success story comes from Glass Onion Vintage. An online retail store, the beloved vintage clothing establishment has successfully made the transition from a pop-up store to a permanent location on Sheffield city centre’s high street, with support from Mason Thomas Law (see page 21). The clothing store is capitalising on the return of students post Covid and has big plans for the future, so watch this space.

Amid tough times, it’s become clear that the path towards future success and stability lies

Laura Blake EDITOR, BUSINESS CONNECT

in upskilling the next generation of talent, and that’s exactly what South Yorkshire’s Skills Street is aiming to do.

The innovative careers training experience, developed to inspire and inform children, young people, and adults, has landed its first supporter, AMETEK Land, and is keen for other businesses to get on board to help shape young minds (see pages 12-13).

Supporting others is crucial at a time like this, and our Charitable Causes, Promotion & Partnership feature (pages 26-31) offers insight on how you can do your bit for the local community.

On the theme of charitable giving, South Yorkshire mayor Oliver Coppard has joined forces with South Yorkshire’s Community Foundation to launch a fund to help those in greatest need. See page 5 to find out more.

‘Firms are proving they have what it takes to not only survive, but thrive’

Local leaders launch South Yorkshire Cost of Living Fund...

South Yorkshire’s mayor Oliver Coppard and the chief executive of South Yorkshire’s Community Foundation (SYCF) Ruth Willis, have launched a fund to support the region through the cost of living crisis.

The South Yorkshire Cost of Living Fund was created by SYCF to fund community groups to deliver projects alleviating the impact of the crisis.

The fund has now reached more than £3,000 with people – who can and want to – donating their energy rebate, or whatever they want to give.

Oliver Coppard said: “As we head into winter, I know just how many people in South Yorkshire are worrying about feeding their families or heating their homes. Our communities shouldn’t have to face those challenges alone.

“That’s why I’m working with the South Yorkshire Community Foundation to ask people to donate what they can from their energy rebate; so we can get money directly to those groups and organisations helping people through this crisis, doing incredible, important work across our region. “We’re a community that has always helped each other through the toughest of times, and this is just another example of who we are; a place where we look after each other.”

In South Yorkshire, one in three children are living in poverty. The region also has some of the highest rates of fuel poverty in the country, with almost one in five households struggling to afford to warm their home.

Ruth Willis, chief executive of SYCF, said: “Cost of living is affecting many people in our region through increases in food prices, fuel poverty and energy bills.

“We hope that the donations made will strike a chord with people who want to help their local community by directing their energy bill rebate to those who need it.

“As the largest grants giving organisation in the region, we’ve seen the demand for support as shown by the vast applications for the Sheffield Cost of Living Fund and it’s clear that a region wide campaign will require major funding. We would encourage anyone who wants to donate their energy bill rebate and all South Yorkshire stakeholders to come together and support this Fund.”

Community Groups from across South Yorkshire helping people through the cost of living crisis will

Business News

be able to apply for grants from the fund to support their work.

In May earlier this year, SYCF launched its Sheffield Cost of

Living Fund, with £20,000 given by Sheffield City Council. More than thirty groups applied for grants –the total value of the applications was £145,000.

As mayor caps fares to help commuters save

From 1 November, South Yorkshire bus and tram fares were capped at £2as mayor Oliver Coppard set out bold plans to combatthe costof-living crisis.

The price freeze will apply across South Yorkshire more than two months ahead of a national £2 cap on bus journeys between January and March.

The £600k boost from the Mayoral Combined Authority will see passengers save up to 50% on some trips and reduce the cost of over 700,000 journeys that cost more than £2.

Oliver Coppard said: “As we head into winter, I know just how many people in South Yorkshire are worrying about feeding their families, heating their homes, and affording the very day to day basics as the cost of living continues to spiral.

“Public transport is part of the solution. That’s

why we’re not just introducing the £2 fare cap early here in South Yorkshire, we’re extending it to include trams.

“Because while the Government’s temporary fare cap is welcome, it doesn’t go far enough to support the thousands of people in our region who rely on our buses and tram network. Alongside the Zoom Beyond fares at just 80p for young people, we now have some of the best public transport fares in the country.

“We have a broken public transport network here in South Yorkshire but bit by bit we’re making things better for the travelling public. This is just another step on that journey.”

Bus and Supertram journeys which already cost under £2 will not be affected.

The move follows a £12.3m rescue package from South Yorkshire’s Mayoral Combined Authority.

‘We’re a community that has always helped each other through the toughest of times’

Schools across Yorkshire take part in unique Vulcan design project

The Vulcan to the Sky Trust (VTST) has joined forces with a Yorkshire and Humber Academy trust to help bring the iconic XH558 aircraft to life as well as honing the design and engineering skills of schoolchildren from across the region.

The exciting programme, designed and delivered by The Work-wise Foundation, the official education partner for VTST, with support from CBE+, will see primary and secondary children from the Delta Academy Trust, which has 46 schools across Yorkshire and Humber, including 13 in Doncaster, take part.

‘Dr Pleming’s Delta Wings design project’ held two special launch days at Delta’s Education House in Knottingley which saw hundreds of year 6 children in primary school and Year 8s in secondary attend to find out more.

Both age groups were introduced to the Vulcan XH558 and the Theory of Flight. The primary aged children were then able to build a glider, learn about aircraft design by using paper aeroplanes and to design their own airport which encouraged them to think about career opportunities in the sector.

Secondary aged pupils built and flew their own plane using eco model kits and recyclable materials with help from expert engineers who volunteered on the day.

They were all then set the exciting design challenge to complete back at school over the next few months.

Year 6 children were asked to create models of the Vulcan XH558 to form part of a display at the new Vulcan Experience Building and Year 8 were tasked with creating a

design for a sculpture which incorporates the Vulcan XH558 wing tips that can be displayed in the new home of the aircraft. These designs will then be judged by an expert panel and the winning design will be built at CBE+ by expert engineers and the students who win.

Michael Trotter, from VTST, said: “We, along with all the partners involved, have been so excited

about this project and the launch days did not disappoint! What a way to get the engineers of the future engaged in the design and building of aircraft and at the same time learn more about the historic importance of the Vulcan which is on display here in Yorkshire. We can’t wait to see all the entries as they develop and wish all the school children involved the best with their planning and creating.”

Double recognition for child health centre

A proposed international centre of excellence supporting world-leading research and innovation in child health to be located at Sheffield Olympic Legacy Park could be named Public Private Collaboration of the Year at two separate awards ceremonies.

The National Centre for Child Health Technology (NCCHT), which is being delivered in partnership with Scarborough Group International (SGI), Sheffield Children's NHS Foundation Trust, Sheffield City Council and part-funded by the Government’s Levelling Up Fund, has been shortlisted in the same category at the 2022 EG Awards and Insider Yorkshire Property Industry Awards.

SGI submitted detailed plans for the circa 45,000 sq ft building, which will form part of its ambitious vision for the next phase of development at Sheffield Olympic Legacy Park.

An artist’s impression of Sheffield Olympic Legacy Park, which is up for two major awards

If approved, the £26m flagship project will become a global first, facilitating the development of some of the most advanced therapies in the world for children and young

people through partnerships between industry, clinical and academic experts.

Paul Dimitri, professor of child health and director of research and innovation at Sheffield Children’s NHS Foundation Trust, said: “We’re delighted that our plans for the centre are already receiving recognition from award panels, who are seeing the impact the centre can make for children and young people around the world.

“The National Centre for Child Health Technology is set to develop the most advanced therapies through digital and technology development for children and young people. It will play a central role in ensuring that we advance the way we develop sustainable and transformational healthcare and drive prevention for children to ensure the future is bright.”

Children from schools across Delta Academy Trust find out more about the Vulcan

‘What a way to get the engineers of the future engaged’

Radio star joins iHus as ambassador

Doncaster-based iHus, the UK’s leading granny annexe builder, is proud to announce the appointment of legendary broadcaster Tony Blackburn as its first-ever celebrity ambassador.

As a leading advocate of multigenerational living, the legendary broadcaster and first ever ‘king of the jungle’ has partnered with iHus as their official ambassador. Together, they aim to empower UK families to experience the benefits of multigenerational, independent living.

A long-time fan of the brand, Tony’s iHus journey started six years ago, when he purchased an annexe to support his wife’s mother in later life.

On his new ambassador role, Tony said: “With the young unable to afford to leave home and the old at risk of isolation, more families are opting to live together, and an annexe allows you to keep your family close, while also giving them independence.

“iHus was the perfect solution for me and our family. You’ve got privacy when you want it, you’ve got support when you need it, and you’ve got company when you’d

like it. I honestly believe one solution to Britain’s ageing population, and the worrying cost of care, would be to move towards multigenerational living.”

iHus managing director Trevor Smeaton added: “We’re proud to be working with Tony. He represents our brand values, understands the changing demands

in living arrangements among families, and we’re totally united in the vision to support multigenerational living as it becomes more popular in the UK.”

Tony Blackburn joins iHus as its newest ambassador

Skills Bank helps architects

Part funded training from the South Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authority’s Skills Bank has enabled Sheffieldbased HLM Architects to upskill 81 staff members, improve productivity and thrive in the post-pandemic landscape.

HLM Architects, a leading architectural design practice, received Skills Bank funding to support the development of a company-wide training programme, which was delivered through its academy, and supported by LinkedIn Learning.

In 2017, the firm embarked on a five-year business plan to drive controlled profitable growth, allowing it to reinvest in the business, improve the team working environment, support employees and give back to the local community.

To achieve these challenging objectives, the leadership team at HLM knew that they needed to recruit, retain and train high-quality people and provide them with a great place to work. Providing robust training, especially through the lockdown, has been a vital part of achieving this.

Jill Fedyk, HR co-ordinator at HLM Architects said: “We have benefitted hugely from the support of Skills Bank. Our training initiatives have led to improved motivation, retention and productivity, with a stronger external profile leading to more job applications for available roles.

“The Skills Bank team embraced the concept of blended learning, which helped us to set a strong infrastructure. We have now woven a continuous learning culture through our business via the HLM Academy and we have a 95% take up of LinkedIn Learning licences by our employees.

“We have seen the value of investing in skills, which is reaping rewards and helping us to continue to innovate.”

Julie Mather, growth skills advisor at South Yorkshire Growth Hub, said: “This is an extremely innovative and dynamic business. We’re looking forward to working with HLM Architects as it embeds this new, skillsfocused approach throughout the business, to support its future growth trajectory.”

First firm signs up to support Skills Street

An international organisation, with its headquarters based in Dronfield, has become the first business to sign up as a supporter of South Yorkshire’s Skills Street.

AMETEK Land, a world-leading manufacturer of monitors and analysers for industrial temperature measurement, combustion efficiency and environmental pollutant emissions, is now working with the new innovative and

immersive careers experience, Skills Street, which recently launched to more than 200 local businesses at an event at Gulliver’s Valley.

Following the business event where details were unveiled of the project, AMETEK Land offered their support.

Nancy Bradbury, HR director at AMETEK Land said: “What a truly inspirational project this is. We are thrilled to be supporting Skills Street for a number of reasons. Firstly, from a moral perspective,

this is something that everyone in business should be focusing on. Exciting and inspiring our young people and equipping them with the skills needed to get great jobs. Secondly, by engaging with our talent pipeline from such an early age we will hopefully create a culture where they feel inspired to return to our business ready for the world of work.

“We’ve worked with the Workwise Foundation, one of the partners in the Skills Street project

Nancy at Gulliver’s Valley

for some time now and are always impressed by the impact they have on the young people they work with. Working with and inspiring the younger generation is a real passion of mine and shared by our company.

AMETEK Land has been providing technological solutions since 1947 and employs over 150 people across the globe. The company is keen to work with young people in South Yorkshire to give them the aspirations and skills to work with various businesses in the future.

Nancy added: “We are really looking forward to working with the team at Gulliver’s Valley, Work-wise Foundation and The Source Skills Academy to make Skills Street a game changer for the region.”

Based on the site of the UK’s newest theme park, Gulliver’s Valley, Skills Street will transform the way the region delivers workrelated experiences and training for young people, schools, families, and educators.

Skills Street is a new hands-on approach to developing, growing, and honing skills with the aim of inspiring and informing children, young people and adults about the world of work and careers.

This interactive centre will be a Centre of Excellence for learning about the world of work across all sectors and industries.

Julie Dalton, managing director of Gulliver’s Valley, said: “We are so pleased to be welcoming our first sponsor on board.

AMETEK Land is a really exciting business with a great approach to the education and skills of young people.

“They go above and beyond in the work they do in the region with schools and work experience and take the time to get involved in projects that they know will make a difference.”

Skills Street will be a fully immersive street where businesses will have a presence and input into the skills needed to work in their sector to then train young people. It is a place where professionals will be working with children from the ages of five upwards.

Julie added: “We need to start harnessing the excitement that our younger children have and developing that from an early age.

“South Yorkshire is a home to some amazing organisations, and we are looking forward to working with them as we showcase this new engaging, innovative experience developed to inspire and inform children, young people, and adults from across the region.”

Construction is expected to begin in 2023 with the aim of opening Skills Street the same year.

The project is part of a £20m investment secured by Rotherham Council to help improve the economy and skills in Rotherham. Other attractions also benefiting from the funding include Wentworth Woodhouse, Thrybergh Country Park, Rother Valley Country Park, Magna and Maltby Learning Trust.

out more about Skills Street visit skills-street.co.uk

To

‘We need to start harnessing the excitement that our younger children have and developing that from an early age’

Fleet Telematics: the smart way to reduce fuel costs and manage your fleet

By Will Sissons (pictured), director at iTrack

They say nothing is certain except death and taxes…and rising fuel costs if you’re reading this article in 2022.

Regardless of business sector, a common challenge we all face during the current turbulent economic climate is increasing operating costs with fuel prices front and centre to this challenge.

It would be foolish for a company that operates a fleet of vehicles, regardless of size, to overlook the importance and money-saving potential that a well implemented fleet telematics system can offer.

Fabricated employee working hours, excessive idle times, poor route management and nonwork-related journeys are just some of the challenges faced daily for fleet managers and company directors. This is in addition to the obvious threat of vehicle theft. A significant step towards confronting these common issues is to engage in a fleet telematics strategy.

What is fleet telematics?

Fleet Telematics is the technology used to monitor and report a wide range of data relating to an individual vehicle or an entire fleet. Crucial information such as vehicle location, speed, driving style and fuel consumption is gathered and fed back to a central control platform. This feedback is then available at the disposal of a fleet manager who can use the data to make sure the company is

operating as efficiently as possible.

GPS tracking devices are fitted to vehicles that work in conjunction with smart telematics software such as iTrack Live. The trackers are not only capable of reporting a real-time location of the vehicle but can also provide other useful data such as odometer readings, fuel level and driving style such as harsh accelerating and cornering. It is also possible to use Bluetooth enabled tags for driver identification or temperature probes for monitoring cabins where the temperature is critical such as medical or food transportation – in this scenario, should the cabin go above or below a certain temperature the fleet manager would be alerted immediately.

How can my business benefit?

Fleet telematics allows fleet operators to keep their finger on the pulse and make sure the operation is running as efficiently and safely as possible. Fleet telematics software can be used to alert fleet managers when various service tasks are due such as oil changes, MOT’s and general servicing which ultimately ensures vehicles are maintained to a roadworthy standard and manage maintenance costs. On average companies can save up to 45% on fuel costs by eliminating unnecessary journeys and engine idling times.

Customer experience is also a key factor in business and can be the difference between a customer returning or going to your competition

in future. Vehicle location data can be used and even shared with your customer to improve communication – knowledge is power and if you can reassure the customer and keep them in the loop, this can only be a good thing.

Monthly reports can be generated to feedback journey data, fuel costs and business mileage records that can be used to monitor company performance in detail.

In the unfortunate event of vehicle theft, the presence of a GPS tracker on a vehicle has obvious benefits and significantly increases the probability of recovery. The trackers can be installed covertly where criminals would be oblivious to the fact it was fitted to the vehicle.

How to implement fleet telematics

Companies like iTrack offer complete tracking solutions whether it is for a single vehicle or a large fleet. ‘Plug & play’ devices are readily available where the user will simply install the tracker to the vehicle in a matter of minutes and the hardware will then link to the tracking platform, instantly reporting and logging data. iTrack also offer a bespoke service where companies have specific requirements such as driver identification or cabin temperature monitoring for example.

While we may not be able to prevent extortionate fuel prices, we can make sure we are doing our best to limit the damage.

Footballer makes lasting impression at Bluebell Wood

Sheffield Wednesday’s new midfielder Will Vaulks is re-pledging support for his favourite charity, Bluebell Wood Children's Hospice, now he’s back in South Yorkshire - and is a new dad too.

The former Rotherham United star says his one year-old son Roman has made him even more determined to give time to the hospice he first got involved in six years ago.

Will said: “When I signed for Wednesday it was immediately in my mind to get involved at Bluebell again. The hospice still means so much to me. It is the most worthy cause you can imagine.

Being a dad to Roman has given me first hand experience of how precious our children are to us.

It really brought home to me what families go through when their children are seriously ill and what an important role children’s hospices play.”

Since opening in 2008, Bluebell Wood Children’s Hospice has cared for children and young adults with life-shortening and life-threatening conditions across South Yorkshire, North Derbyshire, North Nottinghamshire and parts of North Lincolnshire.

While the hospice has temporarily suspended its clinical services due to staff shortages, the focus is firmly on family supportincluding sibling support, counselling, music therapy, wellbeing groups for parents and family fun days.

“I think it’s important for everyone to give back, but especially footballers, who get so much support from the communities they play in, to give back,” said Will, who first visited the North Anston hospice in 2016 with his Millers team mates, just after joining the club.

He remembers being surprised to find an atmosphere full of laughter and happiness and when he later spotted an appeal for volunteers on Twitter, he signed up immediately.

“I was aware I had time on my hands being a footballer and after visiting the hospice, I knew it was a place I wanted to give my time to,” he added.

He became a regular face, volunteering a day a week, and went on to become a hospice ambassador in 2018. Well-aware that Bluebell Wood needs to find £14,000 a day to operate, in 2018 he was locked up in a mock prison for a sponsored ‘Jail and Bail’, which raised over £10,000.

“My life at Bluebell Wood could

Will Vaulks is welcomed back to Bluebell Wood

Fathima Nadeem and her little brother Moosa

not have been more different to my life in football. It is so competitive and you think the end of the world is not being in the team on a Saturday,” he added.

“Then you go into the hospice and see what other people are going through. You meet children who battle life-threatening illnesses every day and parents facing bereavement with such dignity; it puts life into perspective.

“I especially loved building relationships with families and supporting the brothers and sisters of children the hospice cares for, and this is what I hope to do again.

“Often siblings can feel slightly lost and experience complex emotions around their situation. I tried to help by spending a bit of time with them, playing games, hide and seek, football, soft play, and a bit of football, too.”

One family in particular is keen to see Will again. Tazim Ghani’s son Ibraheem Nadeem passed away at

the hospice in 2019 aged 15 from a rare degenerative condition. Her daughter Fathima has the same condition and is still supported by Bluebell Wood.

“It’s lovely to hear Will is back in Sheffield supporting Bluebell Wood.

“Will spent a lot of time with my family, particularly Ibraheem and Fathima’s little brother Moosa. They had a special bond, and Will would regularly come to the hospice on a Friday evening after training to play with him in the ball pit or on the playstation,” she said.

“Moosa still talks about those times; after everything our family has gone through he still remembers the fun he had with Will, and I know he’s so excited to see him again.”

Rebecca Lund, volunteer services manager at Bluebell Wood, said:

“Will moved to Cardiff City in the spring of 2019 but maintained his role as a hospice ambassador despite challenges posed by the pandemic. We will be welcoming him back with open arms.

“During his time with Rotherham United he was a brilliant support at the hospice. He was always happy to roll up his sleeves to do whatever was needed, whether it was admin work and emptying collection tins in the fundraising office or supporting the care team with our children and young adults.

“He’s a wonderful role model for our children and young people - on and off the pitch. And it goes without saying we will be cheering him on in his Wednesday colours!”

If you'd like to volunteer for Bluebell Wood Children's Hospice like Will, head to www.bluebellwood.org to sign up.

Precious relics preserved by Barnsley College joinery students

Barnsley College joinery lecturers have unveiled frames made with the help of students to house two recently restored Barnsley Pals flags.

The flags are believed to have been stored in St Mary’s Church on Church Street in the town centre for more than 100 years and had deteriorated to the point of falling to pieces.

The restoration project was funded overall by a grant from South Yorkshire’s Community Foundation (SYCF), who advised Father Stephen Race at St Mary’s to get college involved by creating the stands.

Joinery lecturers Stephen Seymour and Dom Horn, along with Rick Wills, joinery technician, Robert Moorhouse, a level 3 Diploma student and Charlie Anson, a level 2 diploma student, worked together to create the stands.

The stands, which the college team fabricated out of Ash wood, have been introduced in a special year for the church as it celebrates the bicentenary of its rebuild in 1822.

Textile conservators from the People’s History Museum in Manchester spent a week carefully laying out the remaining fragments of each colour to be placed in the bespoke frames, and the fragments are still visible in the displays.

Stephen estimated that around two to three weeks in total were spent across the latter half of the last academic year working on the frames and said: “We were honoured to assist in manufacturing the display frames for the Barnsley Pals regimental colours.

“It was an opportunity for the staff and students to showcase a range of traditional skill sets, while giving something back to the local community. Especially when we consider that some of our students’ forefathers will have sacrificed so much for King and country.

“It was also a chance to bring some positivity back into the region, especially after the instability of the pandemic.”

Father Stephen Race added: “This has been a wonderful project which was unfortunately held up for some time because of the .

“It has been really great to have involved the skills of college staff, and to have added to the learning of the students involved.”

Ibraheem Nadeem, who passed away at the hospice in 2019 aged 15 from a rare degenerative condition

Pictured at Bluebell Wood is Hospice Ambassador Will Vaulks, who is now a Sheffield Wednesday Midfielder

‘An opportunity for the staff and students to showcase a range of traditional skill sets’

L-R: Barnsley College joinery lecturers Dom Horn and Stephen Seymour, and Father Stephen Race at St Mary’s Church unveiling the framed flags

Jamie gets dream job thanks to help from Aspire to Be

Ayoung man from Intakein Doncaster is singing the praises of a local specialist employability service that has helped him into work.

Jamie Bates Blanford has a learning disability and had been struggling to get employment for many years. This was starting to affect his confidence and self esteem so he turned to Aspire to Be, which is managed by Doncaster Deaf Trust, and helps adults with learning disabilities and other difficulties gain life skills and employment.

Aspire to Be works with referring agencies such as local authorities, housing associations and job centres to provide people with a holistic programme incorporating education, employment and employability sessions alongside health and wellbeing support.

Since then, Jamie has gone from strength-to-strength firstly getting work experience at a British Heart Foundation charity shop and then paid employment with Smyths Toys Superstore in Doncaster.

Jamie said: “I was feeling very low as I had been unable to get work for some time and I didn’t know where to turn for help. But then I got introduced to Aspire to Be and started attending some employability sessions. They helped me become job ready and part of this was getting work experience in an environment I want to eventually get work in. I was interested in retail so Aspire to Be set up an opportunity for me to go to The British Heart Foundation to learn the skills I need to work in retail. Thank you to Aspire to Be for all their support, I cannot recommend them enough.”

Barbara Malone, work coach trainer at Aspire to Be said: “Jamie now displays a much more positive outlook and self-belief and his efforts have been rewarded with a new retail job. We are all so proud of how far he has come and wish him all the best in his new role.”

helped me become job ready’

New appointments made at Signum FM

A South Yorkshire facilities management business is continuing its rapid expansion after appointing two new team members.

Signum Facilities Management, based in Doncaster, has appointed Ryan Daines as an engineer and Richard Precious to the role of maintenance coordinator.

The award-winning business, which specialises in managing and delivering building maintenance, now has 10 permanent employees and two temporary staff set to become permanent in the coming months.

Signum FM is also working with Doncaster College to recruit an apprentice and an additional electrician. By the start of next year, the company expects to have doubled staff numbers from the start of 2022.

Ryan, from Armthorpe in Doncaster, completed a carpentry apprenticeship before working for the prison service as an officer and then joiner.

He said: “The thing I enjoy most about working for Signum FM is the team spirit we have between management and engineers. Signum stands apart from the crowd because they make you feel you’re not just a number and that you’re part of a team. Signum has also invested a great deal of time and resources into

developing my skills with training and courses which have been some of the best courses I have been on. I want to say thank you to Signum for the opportunities they have given me and I look forward to continuing my development and enhancing my skill set.”

Richard, from Sheffield, previously worked in a maintenance and health and safety role for 12 years. He subsequently worked as a fabricator

making and installing infrared gas burners across the UK. As maintenance coordinator, he will be based at the Sheffield office of Signum client Parker Hannifin, the global leader in motion and control technologies, responsible for solving any machinery or facilities issues.

Richard said: “I enjoy working for Signum because they are one big family and they really do care about you and want you to progress and learn new skills.”

The new appointments come after Signum recently secured new clients including National Horseracing College (formerly Northern Racing College) and KP Snacks.

Jill Wood, managing director of Signum FM, said: “We’re thrilled to welcome Ryan and Richard to the Signum FM family.

“They join at an exciting time for the business. We have seen a 40% growth in turnover in the past 18 months and are also really proud of the strong culture we have nurtured in the company.

“We are continuing on that upward trend and need to recruit now to ensure we have the capacity and right people to keep delivering the highest standards for clients.

“We have a real desire to push our growth plan forward which will see further key appointments.”

Richard Precious and Ryan Daines, Signum FM’s newest employees

‘They

Jamie Bates Blanford

Online retailer expands onto the high street

ASheffield property law specialist, Mason Thomas Law, has helped the UK’s leading vintage clothing company, Glass Onion Vintage, expand on Sheffield city centre’s high street.

Previously located in a pop-up unit on Norfolk Street, the new store at 65 Division Street in Sheffield, is the first of a number which Glass Onion Vintage now plans to open on high streets throughout the UK over the next three years. The company’s new high street presence will add to Glass Onion Vintage’s long-established online, wholesale and events sales channels.

Founder and managing director of Glass Onion Vintage, John Hickling, said: “The pop-up unit in Sheffield which we opened in 2019 was an opportunity for us to test the water for expansion on the high street. The demand for a unique product like ours is definitely there and I see our expansion on high streets in the UK as being very much part of the future for Glass Onion Vintage.”

Keen to capitalise on Sheffield’s returning student population, the new store was opened in 14 October. Mason Thomas Law ensured the contract for the new lease was completed in a short time frame.

John commented: “It was vital for us to be able to optimise on the sales opportunities with the new term starting and Christmas coming up. The Mason Thomas Law team were thorough, responsive and focused on getting the deal done enabling us to open on time.”

Established in Barnsley in 2006, the business now employs 64 people and manufactures up to 12,000 pieces of remade clothing a month. Most recently Glass Onion Vintage was nominated for a British Fashion Council Changemaker prize.

John added: “There’s so many opportunities in our industry but our expansion onto the high street feels like we’re at the start of a new chapter in Glass Onion Vintage’s journey.”

Cathy Thomas (pictured), director and solicitor of Mason Thomas Law said: “We were delighted to assist John with the lease for the new Division Street premises in Sheffield City Centre. It was great to be able to play a small part in the growth of Glass Onion Vintage as well as helping increase the presence of a business in Sheffield City centre. We’re looking forward to working with John and his team in the future as Glass Onion Vintage expands across the UK.”

‘I see our expansion on high streets in the UK as being very much part of the future for Glass Onion Vintage’

A step forward in drive for green public sector buildings

The North East and Yorkshire (NEY) Net Zero Hub has taken a major stride forward in its ambition to make public sector buildings in the region net zero. The Hub has appointed international professional services company Turner & Townsend to drive its decarbonisation of public sector buildings programme, including schools, museums, and other public buildings.

The programme, delivered on behalf of the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy (BEIS) as part of the Public Sector Decarbonisation Scheme, aims to support public sector properties across the North East and Yorkshire to decarbonise their estates as part of the broader transition to net zero status.

Working in collaboration with technical consultants Locogen, Turner & Townsend’s sustainability advisory team will assess existing public sector properties in the 30 local authority areas across the Hub region.

They will then create a technical strategy to develop heat decarbonisation plans for 60 sites, with the aim of reducing carbon emissions from their heating systems.

The project will also see Turner & Townsend deliver training and knowledge-sharing to the local authority participants to help them deliver their wider net zero plans. The Hub hopes this capacity-building activity will create a lasting legacy from the programme beyond the specific timeframes of the project.

Karen Oliver-Spry, manager of the NEY Net Zero Hub, said: “We’re delighted to appoint Turner &

Townsend as our contractor in delivering this really important programme.

“Turner & Townsend, along with their collaborators Locogen, have significant expertise in this area and will provide valuable support to public sector bodies in addressing the challenges that confront them in decarbonising their estates.

“It’s vital work that will realise the Hub’s mandate in rolling out the net zero agenda across the North East and Yorkshire region, creating opportunities for shared learning and capacity building across the public sector.”

David Kemp, associate director and sustainability lead, north at Turner & Townsend, said: “As investment begins to develop greener, more efficient ways to heat properties in the region, we need to see our public buildings playing their part by reducing energy usage and using less carbon intensive heating solutions. With the scale of the country’s building stock, collaborative, crossauthority programmes like this will be critical to delivering net zero ambitions at pace. We’re looking forward to working with the Hub and making sure public buildings better support the region’s net zero ambitions.”

About the NEY Net Zero Hub

The North East and Yorkshire Net Zero Hub is at the centre of the region’s ambitious efforts to drive a low-carbon, clean-growth future. Funded by the Department of Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy (BEIS), the Hub is one of five across the country, all focusing on helping the UK reach Net-Zero carbon emissions by 2050. The Hub combines six Local Enterprise Partnerships (LEPs) in the region, including the South Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authority.

Fusion Hive, Stocktonon-Tees

‘Cross-authority programmes like this will be critical to delivering net zero ambitions’

Ground broken on £3.5m college automotive centre

Work has begun to construct a new £3.5m automotive centre, which will bring the latest motor vehicle training technology and electric vehicles to Barnsley College.

Building work is expected to be complete for September 2023, giving the next generation of automotive students access to a state-of-the-art facility that will prepare them to meet the future demands of the sector.

The multi-million-pound centre will be adjacent to the College’s Honeywell Sports Village and CUBE Construction Centre, creating a hub for technical excellence.

As part of the project, the college will be procuring a range of vehicles including combustion engines, hybrid and electric, to enable students to develop top-standard industry skills. The centre will also give local businesses the opportunity to upskill their staff using market-

leading technologies and training resources, positively impacting the wider community.

Nick Marshall, head of engineering at Barnsley College, said: “It’s fantastic to see this exciting new project beginning.

“Technology is moving quickly across the sector, and we will be well placed to teach hybrid and electric vehicle training and maintenance and deliver the best learning experience possible for our students.”

Yiannis Koursis OBE, Principal and Chief Executive of Barnsley College, said: “This project continues our legacy of significantly investing in our facilities to give our students access to the best possible education.

“We believe that they deserve to learn in an environment that offers market-leading technology and aligns to the future job market.

“I am pleased to say that the investment in our new automotive centre will fulfil this ambition, giving students the chance to work with electric vehicles to prepare them for a career in this rapidly changing industry.”

L-R: Gavin Batty, vice principal for technical and professional education; Nick Marshall, head of engineering, and Yiannis Koursis, principal of Barnsley College, at the build site

Artist’s impression of the new Barnsley College automotive centre

small businesses CSR for

For a small company, adopting a corporate social responsibility (CSR) programme might seem like a costly or difficult endeavour, and you may feel like you don’t have the time or the funds to commit yourself to working for a greater cause. However CSR could help your company stand out from the crowd, compete with big businesses and boost your standing. But how can a small firm adopt a CSR strategy? Business Connect explores some small ways you can do your bit.

Going green

Improving your eco-friendly credentials is an easy way to boost your CSR efforts. Small changes, such as going paperless, switching to low energy lighting and introducing a recycling scheme in the workplace can make a big difference. If you own and operate a fleet, consider switching to electric vehicles.

It’s also important to get your staff on board; consider adopting a cycle to work scheme, distribute re-usable bottles and make sure all staff turn off equipment/electronics before leaving home for the day.

Championing the community

A great way to put CSR at the heart of your company is to get involved with the local community.

As a local business, it shouldn’t be difficult for you to identify what your community needs and exactly how you can use your skills and expertise to help. This might mean helping with a regeneration project (either by offering equipment or labour), donating equipment to community centres, schools or hospitals, visiting schools and colleges to offer careers advice and information or developing local talent through apprenticeship schemes or work experience offerings.

The benefits of working in the community are two-fold. As well as providing help exactly where it’s needed, it is also an easy way to demonstrate your business expertise and show off the human face of your organisation, which can in turn help you win new business.

Choose a

charity of the year

Choosing a charity to support for a full year is a popular option for a lot of larger firms, and it’s an easy way to concentrate your charitable efforts.

First select the charity you wish to partner with – it’s a good idea to choose one that shares your aims, or get your staff to suggest charities close to their hearts. Then, over the course of a year, you can encourage your team to take on fundraising activities, from bake sales and fancy dress days, to sponsored activities such as such as

marathons or mountain treks – or even a bungee jump!

At the end of the year, all money raised will go to your chosen charity – and then you can start again, but this time you can support a different charity. Over the years you will have the opportunity to do a lot of good for multiple charitable organisations. See our feature on pages 30-31 for some top tips on how to choose a charity.

Work with likeminded businesses

Adopting a CSR programme is a brilliant opportunity to put your business in front of likeminded companies and forge lasting business partnerships.

For example, if your organisation chooses to champion a green initiative, you should seek to work with other firms that can demonstrate their eco-friendly credentials.

As well validating your own CSR efforts, such partnerships will offer you the chance to share best practices and reap the mutual benefits. It may also provide you with the opportunity to work with bigger organisations – increasingly, larger firms only wish to work with and support companies that can prove they are doing their part.

Volunteering

You may not have the budget to make regular charitable contributions, but have you considered donating time instead?

As an employee benefit, some firms are giving their staff the option to spend a few days each year (with full pay) volunteering for a good cause, such as getting their hands dirty in a community garden, helping at a food bank or cleaning up a local park.

As well as doing good, such initiatives will also help your recruitment efforts and retain top talent. Young professionals especially seek employment with organisations that take CSR seriously, and by providing such opportunities you will also be encouraging your staff to work on their personal growth and professional development.

‘Young professionals especially seek employment with organisations that take CSR seriously’

‘Invite your shortlisted charities into the workplace to present to your staff and key customers/stakeholders, and put the final decision down to a vote’

choose a charity How to

There are many benefits for businesses that want to adopt a charity. As well as doing good in the community, being seen as a business that takes Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) seriously can increase your reputation and profit margin, boost employee happiness and serve as an excellent recruitment tool. But how do you choose the right charity to work with? Business Connect offers its top tips.

When the stars align

A great place to start would be looking for a charity that matches your company’s ethos and values.

It’s also a bonus if you can match up your skills and knowledge too – if you work with people, then a charity that supports the disenfranchised and vulnerable would be a natural fit. If you’re an environmental firm, then an environmental charity would welcome your expertise.

Making sure you’re on the same page will lead to a successful working relationship, and both you and your chosen charity will be able to reap the rewards.

Transparency and impact

If you’re choosing to fundraise for your chosen charity, then its important you know exactly where that money will be going. You can find a list of registered charities in England and Wales on gov.uk, which includes the charity’s aims, income and financial records – important information to seek out, because if you back an untrustworthy charity, then ultimately your customers won’t trust you.

It’s also important to look at the charity’s impact. Find out how it spends donations, what it has accomplished so far, and what goals it is working towards. It goes without saying that helping to fund the charity chair’s lavish lifestyle is not the kind of impact you want to be making.

A matter of opinion

It’s vital that you pick a charity that your employees and customers can get behind – especially if you’re looking to them to get involved with fundraising and volunteering!

Include them the selection process – you can ask your staff and customers to nominate a charity that means something to them, for example.

Invite your shortlisted charities into the workplace to present to your staff and key customers/stakeholders, and put the final decision down to a vote. If your staff feel like they are part of the decision, they’ll be more motivated to offer their support.

Look closer to home

There are a lot of well-known, national charities doing great work up and down the country. There are also a lot of smaller charities right on your doorstep that are playing a part in improving the local community, so you may want to consider lending your support to one of those instead.

Opting to work with a local charity has many benefits. Chiefly, your customers will be able to see first-hand the work that you are doing, rather than just taking your word for it! Demonstrating your value in this way can bring a real boost to customer retention and satisfaction.

Additionally, you’ll be able to lend visibility to the charity and give them a bigger profile, which will in turn put your name in front of more potential customers. It’s a win-win!

Finally, you’ll be helping to support and strengthen the local economy, which will benefit everyone.

healthier

By Claire Burns (pictured), founder of Wurkplace Wellbeing

In today’s world, health, wellbeing and the workplace are words which are becoming increasingly more synonymous with one another, but what does health and wellbeing mean?

According to the World Health Organisations definition, health is ‘a state of complete physical, mental and social wellbeing and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity’ (WHO, 1948). The Health and Safety Executive have broken down the meaning of this definition even further by highlighting that wellbeing “can broadly be defined as an individual’s perspective on their quality of life” (HSE, 2022).

The key word here is individual, because what makes one employee feel a sense of wellbeing will not necessarily be the same for the next. This is because, there is not just one factor which influences an employee’s wellbeing, for wellbeing is comprised of a range of interrelated factors in an employee’s life which can together either contribute to their health and sense of wellbeing or take away from it.

For example, factors an individual may consider are: do they feel fulfilled at work? Do they have access to a support network? Do they feel financially secure? Do they feel physically healthy? Are they happy? If the answer to any of these questions is no, then it will likely have a negative impact on their overall health and sense of wellbeing.

So, why is wellbeing so important to address in the workplace?

Firstly, there is a growing amount of evidence which demonstrates how prevalent poor health and wellbeing is within the workplace. A snapshot of this can be seen from Public Health England in their 2019 report “Health Matters: Health

and Work” which highlighted that in the UK alone, 131 million days are lost to sickness absence each year and the main reasons for this were:

1. Minor illnesses (34.3 million days lost)

2. Musculoskeletal disorders (28.2 million days lost)

3. Stress, depression and anxiety (14.3 million days lost)

Secondly, organisations have a fundamental duty of care for the health, safety, and welfare of their employees. Fostering a culture of employee health and wellbeing is beneficial for both the employee and the organisation because when a tailored, and consistent focus on employee wellbeing is adopted it promotes a positive working environment which allows for both the employee and organisation to thrive.

There is also an undeniable wealth of evidence which supports the benefits of an organisation investing in employee health and wellbeing. This is because when employees feel valued and supported, they are often happier and healthier. Happier and healthier employees are for example, usually more productive, have lower levels of absence and more engaged with the workplace (CIPD 2022).

However, caution needs to be taken here, for it is important for an organisation to implement an appropriate wellbeing strategy which will be suitable for their workforce. This is because a generic programme of initiatives will not necessarily improve the health and wellbeing of the employee.

To ensure the right initiatives are adopted, an organisation needs to understand the actual health and wellbeing concerns of their employees and develop initiatives which will directly target these.

Furthermore, concerns should not just be limited to an employee’s mental and physical health and wellbeing.

Organisations should seek to also understand concerns from financial, social, and professional perspectives as well as these are equally key factors which can have a profound influence on the employee.

So, whether as an organisation you are just starting out on your employee wellbeing journey, or you already have initiatives in place, it is important to make sure that they are part of a holistic wellbeing strategy.

Wellbeing needs to become a

core value for the organisation and integrated at all levels. Not only is it important that managers are trained to spot the signs and symptoms of poor wellbeing and to signpost employees to support, the employees themselves should also be equipped with the right information to make informed choices about how they can improve their own health and sense of wellbeing.

So, whatever health and wellbeing practises an organisation adopts, it is important to regularly monitor, and evaluate these to measure their effectiveness and to ensure that the actions being taken are having positive impacts.

About Wurkplace Wellbeing

wellbeing Using to attract top talent

By Vicky Walker (pictured), group director of people, Westfield Health.

Between rising business costs and ongoing staff absences, it’s a tough time to be a small business. But new research by health and wellbeing provider, Westfield Health, shows that it’s the perfect time for SMEs to tempt top talent away from major corporates with their unique culture and carefully picked employee benefits.

Changing employee expectations

Returning to the post-pandemic workplace has been anything but a return to normal. When, where and how we work has been fundamentally changed, and these changes are here to stay. As well as

the tangible changes, there’s also been a shift in what employees expect. Benefits like wellbeing support and flexible working are now considered to be the norm, with many putting as much focus on these benefits as their salary.

Employees voting with their feet

Where employers are struggling to meet new expectations, people are voting with their feet – and many companies are at risk of being surprised by workers saying they’re happy but still looking elsewhere.

The latest study from Westfield Health found that although more than three-quarters of workers say they’re happy in their current role, almost half (46%) are either

actively looking or considering looking for a new job.

With the cost of a new hire averaging around £3,000, this employee exodus could result in a potential £41.9bn cost to businesses across the country.

The appeal of SMEs

Job hunters have a positive view of SMEs, that smaller businesses can capitalise on. Though around half (53%) don’t have a preference when it comes to company size, 34% of UK workers said they’d prefer to work for an SME.

People felt that small and medium-sized companies were more likely to offer contact with senior leaders (60%), good workplace culture (48%) and better work-life balance (35%). In contrast, employees associated large businesses with more traditional big-ticket benefits like promotion opportunities (44%), competitive salaries (40%) and support with their physical health (51%).

Playing to the strengths of small businesses

With many workers looking for new opportunities and feeling positive towards SMEs, it’s a unique opportunity for small businesses to boost their economic recovery and growth by hiring top talent.

A positive workplace culture can not only help SMEs set themselves apart as great employers, it can also grow the bottom line.

Many employees (85%) believe there’s a strong link between wellbeing and company culture and 86% say they're more productive at work if there's a good culture.

With SMEs being more able to influence and shape their culture, smaller businesses will have a key advantage when it comes to poaching top talent.

Bridging the benefits gap

By focusing on their strengths and investing in key wellbeing areas, like mental health, small businesses can build a reputation as a progressive, supportive employer and stand out in the job market.

Many SMEs already recognise the link between wellbeing and great culture: over two-thirds of SMEs (67%) have an allocated wellbeing budget. The most common benefits include access to mental health support (39%), flexible working hours (33%) and remote or hybrid working (27%).

But how can small businesses justify spending more on wellbeing initiatives when resources are so tight? Since employees already view company culture as a major plus point for SMEs, leaders can capitalise on this 'USP' with a relatively little financial outlay. By talking to their team and understanding where people feel they need the most support, SMEs can target their investment where it has the most impact, delivering maximum impact at an affordable cost.

Performance through wellbeing

Reflecting new employee expectations and strategically investing in wellbeing-focused benefits doesn’t just attract new employees, it impacts the whole business. Academic studies consistently show that happy, healthy employees are more engaged and productive at work, an advantage every business needs as they plan for the future.

For more resources on how SMEs can use wellbeing to retain and attract top talent, as well as free access to SME-focused research and resources, take a look at www.westfieldhealth.com/sme

‘A positive workplace culture can not only help SMEs set themselves apart as great employers, it can also grow the bottom line’

Feature: Health in the Workplace

Sector Focus

Hospitality firm moves into Sheffield

Leading independent hotel management company, RBH Hospitality Management, has been appointed by family business Stapleford Ventures Ltd to operate the new Courtyard by Marriott Sheffield, due to open in Spring 2023.

Ideally located at the entrance to the Rotherham Advanced Manufacturing Park, which forms part of the residential Waverley Development, the 150-bedroom new-build property will include a brasserie restaurant open to local residents, as well as a fitness centre and meeting facilities.

As well as operating the Courtyard by Marriott Sheffield, RBH has also been selected to

provide technical assistance and IT Project Management throughout the build phase of the project.

David Hart, CEO of RBH Hospitality Management, said: “This new hotel is a great addition to our 2023 pipeline and a reflection of the continued success in our growth strategy. We are delighted to have forged a new relationship with Stapleford Ventures, a familyrun business led by Neil Searle, that importantly holds a similar culture and set of values to our own and we look

forward to growing our partnership together.”

Neil Searle, Managing Director of Stapleford Ventures, said: “We are excited to bring the first Marriottbranded hotel to the Sheffield area and to be working alongside RBH who we know will bring a depth of experience to the project.

Courtyard by Marriott

Sheffield will be a great addition to the area, offering the perfect destination for business travellers in light of its proximity to the business park, as well as for leisure visitors. Plans are well underway and we look forward to opening this fantastic property in partnership with RBH and Marriott in 2023.”

European hotel chain launches in the UK

European value-for-money hotel chain B&B Hotels has announced plans to launch into the UK, with a target of opening 100 new hotels by 2035.

Since its establishment in 1990, B&B Hotels has grown to more than 650 hotels across 14 European countries, and played a decisive role in developing the budget hotel industry in Europe. Backed by capital from owners Goldman Sachs, B&B Hotels’ entry into the UK market and its growth strategy will include a combination of leasing new hotels with development partners, takeovers and conversions.

Kevin Murray has been appointed as managing director Development UK and brings with him over 25 years’ experience in hotel acquisitions and the wider hotel industry.

The UK team is expected to grow significantly as the brand commences investment and delivery into the UK market, and B&B Hotels is looking to partner with existing hotel owners, developers, landowners, funds and real estate owners to deliver its expansion plans.

Announcing its expansion plans, Max C Luscher, B&B Hotels’ CEO of Central and Northern Europe said: “It is with great excitement that we announce our expansion plans.

“With over 650 hotels and 59,000 rooms in our B&B global portfolio, we are well positioned to bring our overseas experience and business model of providing a high-quality hotel experience at affordable rates to UK consumers, at a time when money matters more than ever.”

The latest news from South Yorkshire businesses operating in the Corporate Hospitality, Digital & Technology, International Trade, Finance, Manufacturing & Engineering, and Skills & Training sectors.

Artist’s impression of Courtyard by Marriott Sheffield

B&B Hotels launches in the UK

‘Offering the perfect destination for business travellers’

Fresh acquisition for technology specialist

Yorkshire-based IT specialist Fresh Mango Technologies (UK) has announced the successful completion of its acquisition of Verus Solutions.

Verus Solutions, headquartered near Skipton, is a full-service IT support provider, with services including outsourced IT support, computer systems and server supply and installation, with the main focus on local companies in and around Skipton, North Yorkshire and adjoining Lancashire.

Verus is an ideal strategic fit for Fresh Mango, thanks to its geographic location and customer base.

Fresh Mango already provides an extensive range of business IT services to clients in all business sectors across the Yorkshire region from offices in Leeds and Ripon. Now that portfolio includes the Craven district and the North West of England following the addition of Verus Solutions’ clients.

Paul Roach, Director of Verus Solutions, said: “Due to our close and long-standing relationships with our clients it was crucial for us to find an organisation that shared the same values as us, while at the same time having sufficient scale to provide the highest levels of customer service. Fresh Mango demonstrated this throughout our discussions with them.”

The third acquisition by Fresh Mango to its network of businesses in the UK, Verus

Solutions is an ideal fit, explained Fresh Mango’s managing director Guy Phoenix. He said: “Their offering and ethos is almost identical to ours with a customer reach beyond Yorkshire’s borders. The Fresh Mango mission is to bring much-needed first-class IT support to even more SMEs. Verus Solutions will help us to continue to fulfil that mission and we’re delighted that they’re now part of the Fresh Mango family.”

Fresh Mango’s three UK sites and a fourth in the British Virgin Islands provide a unique combination of local onsite support coupled with remote IT Support.

Fresh Mango’s successful acquisition of Verus Solutions expands its expertise and extended geographical reach in all aspects of server installation and migration, connectivity and cyber security.

The company provides a comprehensive set of managed IT services and support services plans to cater for all customers’ requirements.

BT to open brand new Sheffield office

BT Group has unveiled plans to open a multi-million-pound new building in the heart of Sheffield.

The technology and telecoms firm has put pen to paper on a deal to take up residence at the landmark Endeavour building, based at Sheffield Digital Campus, which will be able to house around 1,000 colleagues.

Developed by leading property regeneration and placemaking specialist, Scarborough Group International (SGI), Endeavour is a seven storey office building, providing highly-efficient and flexible floorplates.

The building will be kitted out with the latest technologies and collaborative workspaces, has clubclass changing and shower facilities to promote active-travel, and features a rooftop terrace offering panoramic views of the Steel City’s skyline.

The announcement forms part of BT Group’s Better Workplace

Programme, the largest workplace improvement and consolidation scheme of its type ever undertaken in the UK.

Sheffield joins other key locations including Belfast, Birmingham, Bristol, Cardiff, and Glasgow in undergoing a workplace transformation under the Programme. It also follows the multi-million-pound refurbishments of BT Group’s contact centres in Doncaster, Plymouth, Newcastle and Warrington which completed recently.

Brent Mathews, BT Group property director, said: “Our new base in Sheffield will provide colleagues with a state-of-the-art new base equipped with the spaces and technology which will make an office fit for the future.

“Despite the economic challenges and changes to working patterns caused by the pandemic, we think this is an important investment and it secures our

presence in Sheffield and Yorkshire. This investment follows the refurbishment of our Doncaster Contact Centre.

“Endeavour provides us with the perfect location in the heart of the city and surrounded by the renowned Digital Campus, which

reflects the growth, creativity and ingenuity which are core to BT’s work. Our new offices reflect a move to more hybrid and flexible ways of working, with colleagues able to come together, using the latest technologies, to collaborate in inspiring workspaces.”

BT’s Sheffield office

Guy Phoenix

‘The Fresh Mango mission is to bring muchneeded first-class IT support to even more SMEs’

Choosing the right logistics partner for you

Finding the right logistics partner is of the utmost importance for exporters. There is more to the role than delivering products to your customers – a good logistics partner should also be able to improve supply chain efficiency, effectively manage costs and enhance your customer service. Business Connect looks at what to consider when choosing a logistics partner.

Price

You may be tempted to choose the partner that is the cheapest, but be warned – a logistics provider that does not meet your needs or expectations could wind up costing you more in the long run. Normally the costs should include transportation, warehouse storage, packaging and shipping, but check that the pricing model is transparent and there aren’t any ‘hidden’ charges you may encounter. Is there a monthly minimum payment? Are you being offered an introductory fee that will be increased in a few months’ time? Do they offer money back guarantees if you’re unhappy with their service?

Reputation

There are a lot of logistics companies out there, so it stands to reason that some of them are going to better than others. The reputation of your chosen partner

is important – after all, the reputation of your business stands to be affected by the competence and expertise (or lack thereof) of your supply chain. If your logistics partner does a bad job it will reflect badly on you, and you may lose customers because of their mistakes. Check online reviews, social media and testimonials.

Customer service

Alongside reputation, customer service is another key factor to consider. If something goes wrong in your supply chain, or if there are costly delays, you need to be sure that the issues will be communicated clearly and swiftly dealt with. Will your chosen partner make you feel like a priority, or will they prioritise the needs of larger firms? Will you have a dedicated agent to speak to, or will you be left to the mercy of a chat bot? Do they offer 24/7 customer service, or will any weekend issues be left until Monday morning?

Services & expertise

On the face of it, the primary service offered by a logistics partner is the transport of goods from one place to another. However, not every logistics partner will offer the same services, or the same level of expertise. Food and drink exporters will need, for example, a partner that can transport chilled and/or frozen goods, while partners that operate on a small scale will not be the best option for exporters that require large-scale distribution. Keep in mind your particular needs and make sure your chosen partner can meet them.

Technology

Does your chosen partner offer the latest technology innovations, or

are their operations slow and antiquated? Technology plays a huge role in smooth and efficient delivery, and a partner with extensive technology at their fingertips can help you save both time and money. Warehouse automation will provide you with up-to-date reports at every stage in the process and allow you track your shipments from warehouse to customer, while a web-based booking system will allow you to submit an order at any time, anytime, making the process much faster and smoother.

Safety & security

Your chosen partner will both store and transport your goods, so if you want them to arrive on time and in one piece it’s vital that you check their safety awareness and operations if you don’t want to put your products are risk. Ask to see their storage facilities and enquire about their packaging and shipping processes. Are staff properly trained? How are accidents managed and mitigated? What security systems do they have in place to protect goods at every stage of the journey?

‘Technology plays a huge role in smooth and efficient delivery’

Updated list of Future Fund firms released

The British Business Bank, which has its headquarters in Sheffield, has released a list of 67 additional companies in which the Future Fund holds an equity stake, taking the total to 464 as at 30 September 2022, meaning more than a third of companies have now converted to equity.

Launched on 20 May 2020, and open for applications until 31 January 2021, the Future Fund issued 1,190 companies with Convertible Loan Agreements worth £1.14bn in total. Third-party investors were required to at least match the Future Fund’s investment.

Companies in which Future Fund is now a shareholder include Nottingham-based PBD Biotech, that has developed a rapid screening test for both human and bovine tuberculosis, and Optellum,

creators of AI-based software for early diagnosis of lung cancer that utilises the largest real-world dataset of CT scans to identify atrisk patients and help clinicians provide better cancer management and care to patients.

The Future Fund supported UK companies that typically rely on equity investment to fund their growth. By creating a bridge to the next equity funding round, the Future Fund supported these companies through a period of considerable economic disruption and now the recovery.

Ken Cooper, managing director, Venture Solutions, British Business Bank, said: “The Future Fund was created to ensure a flow of capital, at the height of the pandemic, to companies that would otherwise have been unable to access government support

schemes, while ensuring long-term value for the UK taxpayer. We are pleased to see so many of those companies now going on to raise further private sector capital, which will allow the Future Fund to benefit from their continued growth.”

As at 30 September 2022, there were 464 convertible loans that converted into equity shares and in respect of which the Future Fund continues to hold an equity interest.

The scheme used a recognised financial instrument known as a

convertible loan. Unlike an equity investment, there wasn’t a requirement under the convertible loan to value the company or the price of its shares, at a time when company valuations had been significantly impacted by Covid-19. Instead, the convertible loans are designed to convert into equity at the next equity funding round, converting at a discount to the price per share agreed between companies and investors in the funding round.

Visit: ww.british-business-bank.co.uk

Belmayne raises funds for local charities

The total amount donated is being split equally between the organisations the firm chose as its charities of the year, giving each one £4,000 to spend on the valuable services they provide.

Benefiting from Belmayne’s endeavours are Derbyshire Asbestos Support Team, Disability Awareness with Sport, Sheffield Association for Spina Bifida and Hydrocephalus and Sight Support Derbyshire.

More than £12,000 was raised at Belmayne’s charity ball, held in May, which was attended by around 150 people. The event included a raffle and live auction of prizes kindly donated by friends and colleagues of the firm. The top selling items were tickets to see England play New Zealand at Twickenham, which sold for £800 and a signed Sheffield United shirt that raised £450.

Partner, Ben Smalley, also completed the 112mile Tour of the Peaks with three friends on behalf of the Belmayne Foundation, raising more than £1,000. He said: “We have been overwhelmed by the generosity of the family, friends, clients and colleagues who have supported our fundraising efforts this year and enabled us to donate such a substantial sum to our annual charities. Each has a very different remit, but I have no doubt all of them will put

the money to excellent use.”

The Belmayne Foundation was set up by the firm’s four partners in 2019 to aid small local charities who support health and wellbeing and provide relief for those in need.

Abigail Beaney, fundraiser at Sight Support Derbyshire, added: “In terms of corporate partners, Belmayne definitely deserves a gold medal – we never expected to receive so much

money! The ball was great fun and the team has been great to work with. All in all, it has been a brilliant experience.”

For further information about Belmayne’s fundraising activities, or its range of financial planning services, telephone (01246) 298181, visit www.belmayne-ifa.com or follow the firm on Twitter, @belmayneifa.

Dronfield-based independent financial planners, Belmayne, have handed over £16,000 to four small local charities – the result of just nine months’ fundraising.

‘The Future Fund was created to ensure a flow of capital’

The Belmayne team handed over £16,000 to be split between four local charities

Ken Cooper

CMP Legal strengthens offering

Two new appointments have further strengthened the legal offering of Chesterfield’s newest firm of commercial solicitors.

CMP Legal, which was established in 2021, has appointed Chris Hutchinson and Ryan Fitzpatrick to its team of solicitors.

Chris and Ryan’s appointments now add expert construction dispute advice and healthcare transactions to CMP Legal’s specialisms.

Ryan, who is CMP’s first new director appointment just 18 months after launching, joins with a particular specialism of corporate transactions within the healthcare sector. He said: “CMP Legal has developed an excellent reputation for delivering high quality legal services in a very short period of time and I’m excited to now be part of this.”

He added: “I am very much looking forward to working with the team to continue the progress and expand CMP Legal both regionally and nationally.”

Formerly with Bell and Buxton and Ironmonger Curtis, Ryan brings more than 10 years’ corporate commercial legal experience to his new position at CMP Legal, including corporate restructuring and management buyins/outs with businesses based throughout South Yorkshire and the East Midlands.

Alongside Ryan’s healthcare sector specialism, Chris brings industry-leading experience in construction disputes to his new role as a Consultant Solicitor with CMP Legal.

Originally trained as a site engineer, Chris has worked in senior quantity surveyor roles for major construction companies, including Morrison Construction and Mowlem, during a 40year career in the sector.

He said: “My hands-on experience in construction has given me an inbuilt understanding of the practicalities of a dispute

which not many other lawyers have. I get immense satisfaction from being able to take a client from a poor position to getting a positive result for them.”

Anna Cattee, co-founder of CMP Legal, said: “We’re thrilled that Chris and Ryan have chosen to bring their respective specialist skills and experience to CMP Legal.

“These are extremely exciting times for the team and business and our next stage of growth.”

Chris and Ryan’s appointments now bring the number of team members to eight, doubling the size of CMP Legal since its launch.

Chris Hutchinson (left) and Ryan Fitzpatrick have recently joined CMP Legal

Four key factors shaping the future of warehouse automation

1. What’s driving warehousing strategies?

Ultimately, it’s customer service levels. Customers have ever-higher expectations regarding service levels and this is driving huge change in the warehouse. Along with the rapid growth of ecommerce, there is a strong desire to develop faster fulfilment strategies and importantly, equally efficient returns processes.

A key SLA for any ecommerce business keen on growing and retaining a healthy customer base is the speed with which customers are credited back on returned items – and that requires fast processing of returns. Likewise, multichannel businesses will need to progress to develop slick omni-channel operations capable of offering the diversity of service options that customers now demand. And a key enabler will be automation.

A lack of available labour is another factor influencing thinking within the four walls of the warehouse. But it’s not just a shortage of labour per se, the key thing is there’s far more volume going through piece picking warehouses in the last few years, so the number of people required is not able to keep pace with the increased demand. It’s stretching the labour pool that is there, and this, combined with a growing requirement for increased capacity, is a big driver for automation.

2. What technologies are emerging?

With the cost of labour rising and availability falling, businesses will have little option but to adopt higher levels of automation, and in many instances that means robotics. Their low-cost, excellent flexibility and great scalability makes them the ‘must have’ warehouse technology of today.

However, with robots gaining critical momentum within the warehouse, protocols supporting them will need to become more standardised, so that various types of robots can be deployed to perform different tasks under one controller. Customers will demand flexibility to use the best robots suited to individual tasks and the industry will need to move in this direction. This will significantly simplify the deployment of robots.

Augmented Reality (AR) is also likely to start appearing in warehouses in the near future. Trials are in progress at the moment for AR glasses that can be used to guide an individual to picking locations. In a way, it’s like a SatNav for the warehouse, but offering a head-up display with information, so no need for a hand-held terminal. The issue at present is cost, but hopefully, prices will come down as the technology takes off.

Collaborative robots, or ‘cobots’, will soon become more commonplace, working alongside pickers and warehouse staff. And once the technology around grippers is improved, they will

be seen travelling around doing the picking too. The vision systems and AI are there, it really just needs a breakthrough in gripper design to offer the dexterity needed for a broad product portfolio.

3. What technologies and applications are currently seeing most interest?

At the moment there is huge interest in flexible tote handling systems using Autonomous Mobile Robots (AMRs). When combined with pick-tolight technology, phenomenal pick-rates can be achieved with exceptionally high levels of accuracy.

AMRs offer tremendous flexibility and, importantly, scalability in traditional labourintensive tasks such as order picking and putaway. AMR systems combined with pick-to-light technology can boost order picking performance from under 100 units per hour using traditional methods, to up to 600 picks per hour, with an ROI that can be as little as 12 months.

4. A new approach to automation from 3PLS

Interestingly, 3pls are beginning to explore a new approach to winning business. They are looking at putting automation in first and then approaching customers with a solution in place. The driving factor is, end customers want to see sites that offer automation as a ready-to-go solution.

This emerging trend requires service providers to speculatively invest in automation on the assumption that appropriate customers can be found. Their task will be to target industries that have a profile that matches the automation on site.

Robotic systems are becoming easier to deploy and can be simply expanded as required. A low-level, high SKU or high volume storage system may be adopted with a few robots and added to as more customers come on-stream –perfect for a multi-user facility.

Importantly, the modus operandi of logistics service providers will need to change from acquiring a customer and running a manual operation for a few months, before taking in robots, to adopting automation in advance and then finding appropriate customers. At present, a number of 3pls are investigating this approach.

With all the productivity gains that can be achieved through the judicious application of robotics and AI, the future of warehouse automation looks bright.

Visit: www.Invargroup.com

‘Businesses will have little option but to adopt higher levels of

Apprentice proves to be a diamond

When Dan Nicholson set his heart on a heritage skills apprenticeship at Wentworth Woodhouse, the 18 year-old decided there was only one way to find out more about the buildings he could one day be repairing…

He booked a place on a Black Diamonds Tour.

The tour was created by Catherine Bailey, author of Black Diamonds, which brought international fame for the Grade I Listed stately home once owned by the Marquesses of Rockingham and the Earls of Fitzwilliam.

“I was amazed to hear the house’s story and find out about the people from its past. But all the way through the tour I was taking in all the workmanship and the condition of the rooms,” said Dan.

Wentworth Woodhouse Preservation Trust was impressed by Dan’s keenness to learn and he became its first Heritage Skills Apprentice in May 2022.

His three-year training programme is being funded by two charitable trusts - the Radcliffe Trust, which supports the development of cultural heritage and craft skills, and the Leche Trust, a grant-awarding charity which

supports the conservation of historic buildings and objects.

Dan, who recently completed a diploma in electrical installation at Sheffield College, had seen the job advertised on the Government’s

apprenticeships website.

He said: “I was amazed at the variety of tasks in a heritage setting. Learning centuries-old skills which need to be preserved really appealed to me. I was over the

moon when I landed the role.”

Dan is learning about the huge demands of the entire site from Julie Readman, the trust’s facilities and maintenance manager, and is gaining additional knowledge alongside heritage tradesmen and contractors who come to work at the house.

The in-work heritage skills and apprenticeship scheme was launched with Historic England last year to tackle long-standing shortages in heritage skills such as carpentry, bricklaying and joinery, painting and decorating, plastering, roofing and stonemasonry.

Julie said: “Dan’s apprenticeship is a first for the maintenance team at Wentworth Woodhouse.

“It provides a local young person with the opportunity to begin a career in the heritage sector - at one of the most impressive houses in the UK.

“It enables us to grow experience in the team and also pass on what we have learned to the next generation of people who will care for this place.

“Dan is talented, hard-working and a fast learner - and just like the rest of us, the Big House has got him hooked!”

Partnership to help Deaf children in region

Doncaster Deaf Trust is working with the National Deaf Children’s Society in a partnership that will enhance the opportunities and aspirations of Deaf children and young people in the region. The new partnership has nine key areas of work that will help the children and young people to develop confidence and learn new skills.

Alexis Johnson, executive principal of Doncaster Deaf Trust, said: “We are really pleased to be working with the National Deaf Children’s Society to benefit our children and young people. Partnership working is vitally important to help improve and enhance the experiences of the Deaf children and young people who learn with us at Doncaster School for the Deaf and Communication Specialist College Doncaster (CSCD).”

Mark Bolton, deputy director for Young People at the National Deaf Children’s Society, said: “We’re very excited by this ground-breaking new partnership with Doncaster Deaf Trust. It will open up new horizons for the Trust’s students and other deaf children and young people.”

Luke Collins-Hayes, roadshow officer for the National Deaf Children’s Society with student Reegan Coleman

Heritage skills apprentice Dan Nicholson with WWPT’s facilities and maintenance manager Julie Readman in Piazza Court

Celebrating 150 years of pioneering service

Davies Turner is one of the UK's leading freight forwarder and logistics organisations, with 21 branches throughout the country. With a warehouse capacity of over 1,000,000 square metres and a network of overseas partners, you can be assured of a fantastic service. With ISO 9001 accreditation too and a UK-wide collection and delivery service that fuels an annual turnover of over £145 million, Davies Turner are flexible experts in logistics, storage and supply chain management solutions. Anything from courier to overland can be tackled, as well as freight by sea and air, with IT support in the form of in-house management systems and the latest WMS software, ensuring security and safety.